Music Therapy for Substance Use Disorder

Music is a very important aspect of the daily lives of most people. People use music as a form of entertainment, relaxation, distraction, and as an accompaniment to enhance their lives. In addition, many people use music as a means of motivating themselves to reach goals or perform daily activities. But beyond its everyday uses, music holds the power to heal. As a recognized complementary and integrative therapy, music therapy harnesses this power to address a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.

What Is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is a recognized form of therapy that uses music to support individuals in their overall treatment process.¹ While not a standalone solution, it’s a valuable complementary therapy often integrated with evidence-based treatment approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to enhance their effectiveness.

Music therapy can be a beneficial tool for treating a variety of conditions, including:²

• Autism spectrum disorder.
• Dementia.
• Depressive disorders.
• Anxiety disorders, including PTSD.
• Substance use disorders.

Additionally, music therapy offers a range of benefits that include:¹

• Fostering emotional well-being.
• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Enhancing communication and expression.
• Sharpening cognitive skills.
• Building social connections.

Using Music Therapy in Addiction Treatment

One of the benefits of using music therapy is it can be used in nearly any context. In substance use disorder treatment, music can be a powerful tool for individuals in recovery. Some ways that music therapy for addiction treatment can help include:^3,4

• Manage cravings and triggers: Music can provide a healthy distraction and emotional outlet, reducing the intensity of cravings and helping individuals navigate challenging situations.
• Process difficult emotions: Music can help individuals express and cope with complex emotions like guilt, anxiety, depression, and anger that often arise in recovery.
• Develop coping skills: Engaging with music can help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, triggers, and future challenges.
• Boost self-awareness and motivation: Music can facilitate introspection and self-discovery, promoting a deeper understanding of personal motivations, values, and self-esteem.
• Enhance mood and create positive experiences: Music can uplift spirits, alleviate boredom, and provide moments of joy and connection, supporting overall well-being in recovery.

Music therapy can be a part of:

• Inpatient treatment programs,
• Outpatient treatment programs.
• Group counseling.
• Individual counseling.

Because music therapy is a complementary treatment protocol, the music therapist will consult and actively work with the rest of the person’s treatment team to develop a formal therapeutic approach using music to address an individual’s specific needs.³

Types of Music Therapy Used for Substance Use Disorder

Music therapy offers a diverse range of techniques to support individuals in their recovery from substance use disorders. By engaging with music through both receptive and active methods, individuals can address emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of their journey to sobriety.

 Some common types of music therapy used in substance use disorder treatment include:

• Improvisation.
• Songwriting.
• Listening to music.
• Music and imagery.
• Music performance.
• Learning to play an instrument.
• Discussing lyrics.

How Does Music Therapy Help Addiction?

Music therapy is a valuable tool in addiction recovery, offering a unique way to process emotions, reduce stress, and develop coping skills.³ Research suggests that integrating music therapy with standard addiction treatment can help decrease cravings and increase motivation for recovery, especially when implemented over multiple sessions.⁴ By providing an alternative outlet for expression and connection, music therapy empowers individuals on their journey to sobriety.

Benefits of Music Therapy For Substance Use Disorder

Unlike many other complementary therapies, music therapy boasts a robust body of research supporting its effectiveness. This evidence-based approach offers a diverse range of benefits, making it a valuable tool for in treating substance use disorders. Some of these benefits include:

• Music therapy can be particularly useful in helping an individual deal with the emotional problems associated with these feelings of overwhelm and put them in perspective.
• Music therapy can be useful in addressing triggers that often spark relapse in recovering individuals. These triggers include boredom, loneliness, stress, and self-doubt.
• Music therapy can help individuals in recovery discover new sources of joy and fulfillment, dispelling the myth that sobriety means a life devoid of pleasure.
• By easing depression and anxiety symptoms, music therapy promotes clearer thinking and more informed decision-making.
• Music therapy can also be used in conjunction with other forms of interventions to motivate the person to develop other positive changes in their lives, such as developing an exercise program, getting involved in community activities, learning to socialize with others, etc.

Limitations for the Use of Music Therapy

While music therapy offers significant benefits for individuals with substance use disorders, careful consideration is crucial. Certain music may trigger past drug use, potentially hindering recovery. If negative emotions or behaviors arise during music therapy, it’s essential to discontinue and re-evaluate. To maximize benefits, seek a qualified music therapist. Remember, music therapy is a complementary tool, not a standalone solution for substance use disorder treatment.

Explore Rehabs That May Use Music Therapy Near Me

Is Music Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Insurance coverage for music therapy varies depending on your specific plan and provider. Some plans may require the therapist to be a licensed mental health professional who also offers music therapy. Review your plan documents or contact your insurance provider to see if music therapy is explicitly included or if it falls under a broader category like “behavioral health.”

Are You Ready to Seek Treatment?

When you’re ready to begin your journey to recovery, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Through American Addiction Centers’ nationwide network of treatment centers, we’ve helped thousands of individuals find hope and healing from substance use disorders.

Give us a call at to learn more about your treatment options, get help verifying your insurance or to discuss other payment options, and to take the first steps onto the road to recovery.